The new blade V7 May just be the best blade so far

[Deleted member 746200]

So I got the new blade V7 like a month ago since I’m working for Wilson this summer. For people who know me, I’m a Babolat guy since young (actually I’m more like a pure control/ pure strike guy lol) and my racket of choice is still original pure strike 2014. I tried the project one7 for decent half a year when it came out. Good racket for sure but not as good as the 2014 (most people like the P17 better than 2014 though). Tried the recently popular Pure Aero VS, still, great racket and very fun to play but probably not the best option if I wanna win I tournament. Then this summer I have this chance working for Wilson and playtest the new Blade V7. I had some experience with blade before. When I about to went to college I was deciding between blade 2013 (black n silver one) and original pure strike (black n red one) and ended up with the strike. 2013 blade was also my first blade experience (as a guy born in 1995 sorry didn’t try older blade before lol) then 2015 blade is slightly better than 2013 version in my opinion. Hate the CV version, and the new blade V7, I gotta day, I really considering switching to it. It is that good. The only thing bothers me it’s that the spin is not as good as my old pure strikes. My blade V7 is 16/19 (same as my pure strike) and it is probably the tightest 16/19 on the market. But the feel and control is phenomenal. Since my pure strike 2014 is kinda old and hard to find new grommets, I’m seriously thinking about switching to the new blade. Have two tournaments coming so that will decide if I switch or not. Btw I did play with the new pure strike 2020 as well but not for too long. (However it feels better than the everyone’s favorite P17 in my hand) So I’m also thinking about give the new strike some time when it becomes wifey available. At the end, my blade V7 specs are: 324g strung weight, 333mm strung balance, and 326 strung SW. I’m a 4.5 guy with two hand backhand.


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[elsk]

Nice post, would you consider the blade v7 18x20 or is that too much control and not enough pop?

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Nice post, would you consider the blade v7 18x20 or is that too much control and not enough pop?

Mine is 16/19. I’m always a 16/19 guy and never a fan of 18/20 lol. Like I said, this blade V7 16/19 to me still feels tighter than some other 98 16/19 including pure strikes and radicals already.


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[tata]

I always found the blades quite intimidating. Generally higher swingweight and not as headlight sitting around the 4pt hl area. But I'm sure developed and more stronger players would love it. These can really crush the ball for heavy balls.

 

[Imago]

Better than KBlade?

 

[mhkeuns]

Man... Another racket that will probably be in my collection pretty soon. Then, there will be the new Pure Strike coming up, and I’m still going back and forth on the Gravity Pro, which I will probably get but resisting for now because I want to wait for the new Prestige line. There are so many interesting frames out there. How do some of you resist the temptation to get the newest and the latest?

Didn’t like the Clash 100 or the 98, but this Blade (18x20 for me) is seriously interesting with lower RA. Can’t wait to try it out.

 

[JustTennis76]

Better than KBlade?

I doubt it. I have hit with all prior versions of the blade and Kblade stands out. I play with prestige pro but still own 3 kblades for that reason. One day, I may pick them back again.

 

[lima]

Man... Another racket that will probably be in my collection pretty soon. Then, there will be the new Pure Strike coming up, and I’m still going back and forth on the Gravity Pro, which I will probably get but resisting for now because I want to wait for the new Prestige line. There are so many interesting frames out there. How do some of you resist the temptation to get the newest and the latest?

Didn’t like the Clash 100 or the 98, but this Blade (18x20 for me) is seriously interesting with lower RA. Can’t wait to try it out.

What didn't you like about Clash? Just curious

 

[bleno567]

Dude! You're using a tourna grip and you work for Wilson? See if they'll hook up some pro over grips!

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[mhkeuns]

What didn't you like about Clash? Just curious

To be fair, they weren’t bad rackets, but nothing really stood out other than their muted feel. They are powerful, but they all took more effort, in comparison with the Babolat tweeners and other 97”/98” frames, to control the shots. They were the first frames that I tried without the vibration dampener. They still felt really muted.

Loved the CV Blades initially. Their HH balance and stiffness turned me away from both 16x19 & 18x20. The newly updated Blades with lower RA is really interesting.

 

[lima]

To be fair, they weren’t bad rackets, but nothing really stood out other than their muted feel. They are powerful, but they all took more effort, in comparison with the Babolat tweeners and other 97”/98” frames, to control the shots. They were the first frames that I tried without the vibration dampener. They still felt really muted.

Loved the CV Blades initially. Their HH balance and stiffness turned me away from both 16x19 & 18x20. The newly updated Blades with lower RA is really interesting.

I'm very interested in Blade 104. On paper it seems like a perfect frame for my baseline game

 

[n8dawg6]

How do some of you resist the temptation to get the newest and the latest?

i dont ...

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Dude! You're using a tourna grip and you work for Wilson? See if they'll hook up some pro over grips!

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Haha I’ve been using tourna for so long since I live in California most of the time


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[Power Player]

Man... Another racket that will probably be in my collection pretty soon. Then, there will be the new Pure Strike coming up, and I’m still going back and forth on the Gravity Pro, which I will probably get but resisting for now because I want to wait for the new Prestige line. There are so many interesting frames out there. How do some of you resist the temptation to get the newest and the latest?

Didn’t like the Clash 100 or the 98, but this Blade (18x20 for me) is seriously interesting with lower RA. Can’t wait to try it out.

Just be more picky about the specs you like and stick to your guns. For example, if you don’t like a HH balance, you won’t like the new Blade. It’s not going to be so different that you abandon your spec preference. For me the more traditional specs of the gravity pro don’t interest me that much so I passed. The Pure Strike is still a stiff frame, so I’d rather play my Pure Aero+ if I want to go up in RA. I know I like a higher SW and a lower static weight, so that instantly narrows down my options.

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Better than KBlade?

For me it is. I never own a kblade though but my friend does and I did try his several times. For me the blade V7 has a slightly more lively feel than the older blades


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[Exoticbottle]

It's honestly hard. I'm looking to get a frame to replace my PS 2014 18x20, and between the new Blade, Gravity Tour, and the new PS 2020 it's a hard choice. They are all extremely similar balances and swingweights with various pros and cons in relation to the headshapes and stiffness ratings. I wish I could demo all 3.

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Man... Another racket that will probably be in my collection pretty soon. Then, there will be the new Pure Strike coming up, and I’m still going back and forth on the Gravity Pro, which I will probably get but resisting for now because I want to wait for the new Prestige line. There are so many interesting frames out there. How do some of you resist the temptation to get the newest and the latest?

Didn’t like the Clash 100 or the 98, but this Blade (18x20 for me) is seriously interesting with lower RA. Can’t wait to try it out.

Clash 98 is aight for me but the 100 it’s just so hard to use...the feedback is very inconsistent. I know that’s the marketing point that the racket flex differently when I swing different, but I just can’t hit my target with 100%.


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[AA7]

It's honestly hard. I'm looking to get a frame to replace my PS 2014 18x20, and between the new Blade, Gravity Tour, and the new PS 2020 it's a hard choice. They are all extremely similar balances and swingweights with various pros and cons in relation to the headshapes and stiffness ratings. I wish I could demo all 3.

look... getting 3 racquets and demo-ing them for 1 week and spending 20 bucks with some strings that you don't even like is just as much of a waste of money as anything else.. Instead you can buy it all... put strings that you like... hit with it for a month or two in various different situations and sell the ones that you do not like... these are brand-new sticks that will be in demand.. you will not lose all that much money on re-selling if you keep them in pretty solid condition.

 

[n8dawg6]

It's honestly hard.

thats what she said

 

[MajesticMoose]

 

[Power Player]

look... getting 3 racquets and demo-ing them for 1 week and spending 20 bucks with some strings that you don't even like is just as much of a waste of money as anything else.. Instead you can buy it all... put strings that you like... hit with it for a month or two in various different situations and sell the ones that you do not like... these are brand-new sticks that will be in demand.. you will not lose all that much money on re-selling if you keep them in pretty solid condition.

Agree. I just figure out what I want and then buy it and string it how I want and then log the time on the court. So much better, imo and cuts down on holicing as well. And then if you sell, you are hooking up someone else with nice frames at a good price.

 

[Addxyz]

Just be more picky about the specs you like and stick to your guns. For example, if you don’t like a HH balance, you won’t like the new Blade. It’s not going to be so different that you abandon your spec preference. For me the more traditional specs of the gravity pro don’t interest me that much so I passed. The Pure Strike is still a stiff frame, so I’d rather play my Pure Aero+ if I want to go up in RA. I know I like a higher SW and a lower static weight, so that instantly narrows down my options.

I've been mostly a ProStaff kind of guy- 350-360g / 9-10HL. It seems like I could easily just add some weight to the handle to match those specs. Does anyone play with a higher headlight setup with the Blade?

 

[Power Player]

I've been mostly a ProStaff kind of guy- 350-360g / 9-10HL. It seems like I could easily just add some weight to the handle to match those specs. Does anyone play with a higher headlight setup with the Blade?

I am quite sure they do. I know I tried it years back and did not really like it. But what works best for me is having some resistance so I don't swing too fast. It's one of those things where I want tip speed but not too much that I am over-exerting myself.. So that is why I think that finding an ideal swing weight range is a big help. And then from there the balance. The static weight is 3rd on my list after those two. The lower static weight, high SW combo is my favorite since I am not at the net so much that I need the heavier frame.

 

[High Lama]

Sometimes it’s better to demo. There are racquets that look great on paper. Then you string it with your favorite string and can’t stand the racquet. I like the prestige mp racquets so I assumed I’d like the new Dunlop 200 tour but that thing felt stiffer than any babolat racquet. You’d lose more than $20 selling it back.

 

[parasailing]

I've been mostly a ProStaff kind of guy- 350-360g / 9-10HL. It seems like I could easily just add some weight to the handle to match those specs. Does anyone play with a higher headlight setup with the Blade?

My 2015 Blades 18x20 setup is around 335-340 SW, 330-340g static weight, and about 6 to 7 pts HL. I add some weight in the handle to get them more head light. I found the Blade is easier to use than the Pro Staff 97 with both spec'd the same.

The Blade is one of those racquets that offers control, power, and comfort all in a single frame.

 

[Fxanimator1]

My 2015 Blades 18x20 setup is around 335-340 SW, 330-340g static weight, and about 6 to 7 pts HL. I add some weight in the handle to get them more head light. I found the Blade is easier to use than the Pro Staff 97 with both spec'd the same.

The Blade is one of those racquets that offers control, power, and comfort all in a single frame.

Same thing with me.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

So that side color is more green than gray?

Actually looks nice.

 

[A_Instead]

I cant wait to try the std 104 and the sw 104..

 

[parasailing]

I love the amount of interest in the new Blades and all these new racquets that are coming out this month.

It feels like Christmas in August with so many new frames for the racquet holics like us to try.

 

[DonDiego]

The best blade so far was the 2013 black and silver Amplifeel. Wilson got the feel and maneuverability / swingweight just right with that one.

 

[Power Player]

I liked the black and gold better. More plow to it. Thats what a blade needs.

 

[parasailing]

I guess next week when everyone gets there new shiny toy, we shall see which Blade rules them all!

 

[Power Player]

I guess next week when everyone gets there new shiny toy, we shall see which Blade rules them all!

My first week will most likely be a hard core honeymoon. I’ve wanted a softer modern frame for years. Closest I have gotten is the Yonex vcore pros.

 

[haqq777]

My first week will most likely be a hard core honeymoon. I’ve wanted a softer modern frame for years. Closest I have gotten is the Yonex vcore pros.

I played with the new Blade for 30 mins (16x19) and loved it. Tight 16x19 is what I am digging these days. Wrote about it in the Angell thread just yesterday. Couldn't hit for longer due to time constraints. Very interested in your feedback, PP.

 

[DJTaurus]

I played with the new Blade for 30 mins (16x19) and loved it. Tight 16x19 is what I am digging these days. Wrote about it in the Angell thread just yesterday. Couldn't hit for longer due to time constraints. Very interested in your feedback, PP.

Give us more info mate

1) Previous blade you had to compare it with ?

2) Tension and string used on the one you tested ?

 

[topspn]

I should be getting mine Tuesday it looks like. The 16x19 strung with BBO @49lbs

 

[haqq777]

Give us more info mate

1) Previous blade you had to compare it with ?

2) Tension and string used on the one you tested ?

Absolutely. It was just a small hitting session, one of the guys at my club had one on loan that he was testing.

1) I think it is a fantastic stick. A bit more headlight than last version so felt more maneuverable. Also felt more flexier and definitely plays softer. Excellent combination of pop, feel and control. Felt very connected and was much better in that regard compared to previous CV version in my opinion (and I didn't really despise the CV version like some did either so that is high praise). The previous version was more muted/dampened for me.

2) The string was fresh ALU Power so you know it had to wow - the guy did not know tension but it felt like maybe low 50s. The weight with overgrip was 330g. He did not know any other specs. To me, it felt like a 4 point HL or maybe 4.5 pt HL for balance and swingweight in high 320s. No mods on the racquet except for overgrip. It had a small Wilson dampener on but I took it off to see and it felt great even without the dampener.

I will be ordering a demo for myself soon for a more extended playtest than just 25-30 mins. Already have so many racquets but you know how that goes. Racquetholicsm is gift that keeps on giving lol

 

[haqq777]

I should be getting mine Tuesday it looks like. The 16x19 strung with BBO @49lbs

Awesome! You know I'm going to be very interested in your feedback my friend! Looking forward to it.

 

[Fxanimator1]

Mine will be here Tuesday as well. I’ll string it Wednesday morning, at my usual 54#. I use NXT Power 16 in the mains and Cream in the crosses, also 16.

 

[danbrenner]

Mine is 16/19. I’m always a 16/19 guy and never a fan of 18/20 lol. Like I said, this blade V7 16/19 to me still feels tighter than some other 98 16/19 including pure strikes and radicals already.


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Yeah. The two patterns 18 20 and 16 19 have identical 8 main throats so they will play very similar

 

[vsbabolat]

I will say this: the new Blade is awesome! Feels like the HEAD Pro Tour 280/630. Good job Wilson. If only HEAD would just sell the Pro Tour 630 with Prestige MP they would have a huge winner!

 

[Power Player]

I will say this: the new Blade is awesome! Feels like the HEAD Pro Tour 280/630. Good job Wilson. If only HEAD would just sell the Pro Tour 630 with Prestige MP they would have a huge winner!

Wow..thats serious praise. Hype level has hit 1,000. I love the feel of my PT!

 

[mad dog1]

I will say this: the new Blade is awesome! Feels like the HEAD Pro Tour 280/630. Good job Wilson. If only HEAD would just sell the Pro Tour 630 with Prestige MP they would have a huge winner!

Damn. Not what I needed to hear. Lol.

 

[Pleb123]

I will say this: the new Blade is awesome! Feels like the HEAD Pro Tour 280/630. Good job Wilson. If only HEAD would just sell the Pro Tour 630 with Prestige MP they would have a huge winner!

Blade 16x19 or 18x20, or both, have that feel?

 

[mad dog1]

Blade 16x19 or 18x20, or both, have that feel?

I’m guessing he’s referring to the 18/20 since the Heads that he referenced are 18/20s.

 

[dgoran]

I will say this: the new Blade is awesome! Feels like the HEAD Pro Tour 280/630. Good job Wilson. If only HEAD would just sell the Pro Tour 630 with Prestige MP they would have a huge winner!

Lol

 

[Power Player]

One thing I have never had is a modern playing frame that feels like a classic one. Thats a rare,rare combo, mostly reserved for pro stocks like the H22.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@Russell Jiang
for more spin, try the new stick with the neon green string, Wilson.revolve.SPIN, the picture looks like its string with regular w.revolve

 

[topspn]

I may actually have to get an 18x20 as well. I remember hitting a couple of times with the 2015 pre CV version and really enjoyed it

 

[Deleted member 746200]

@Russell Jiang
for more spin, try the new stick with the neon green string, Wilson.revolve.SPIN, the picture looks like its string with regular w.revolve

I’ve been using Solinco Tour Bite for about 6 years and feel like that’s the best string for me lol but still thank you for you suggestion I might give it a try


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